Vittoria has unveiled its new Air-Liner Protect tyre inserts that are optimised for enduro and downhill mountain biking.
The new inserts are made from high-density polymer foam and now feature a T-shaped design to reduce weight compared to the previous iteration.
The Air-Liner Protect is available in two configurations for application in enduro and downhill, and comes in 27.5in and 29in wheel-size options.
All variants of the Air-Liner Protect are suitable for 2.4in to 2.6in tyres, with the enduro model weighing in at 135g for a 29in wheel size, and the downhill model at 185g for a 27.5in wheel.
All versions are priced at £49.99 / $69.99 / €59.95.
Updated for more demanding descents
Vittoria says the new Air-Liner Protect inserts should protect your rim from jagged rocks and treacherous roots.
Pool-noodle style tyre inserts have been around for quite some time, with many riders choosing to use them for the added support they give in rough sections and the ability to run lower tyre pressures without experiencing more snakebite punctures.
The brand says its new T-shape design gives enhanced shock absorptions, with the outer flanges able to deflect over the rim under impact to protect the tyre.
It also gives the tyres a larger air volume, which is said to result in a more natural feeling of tyre deformation when compared to other tyre inserts.
The enduro version uses a lighter-density foam than the downhill option, with the latter presumably offering greater protection for harder-hitting terrain.
Tyre inserts are often used on electric mountain bikes, where the bike's extra weight can cause more rear punctures and rim damage.
Unlike the previous version, the Air-Liner Protect now comes as a complete loop, removing the need for the insert to be cut down to size and zip-tied back together.
Vittoria says the inserts are only compatible with multiway tubeless valves, and provides some in the pack.
